More help on offer to Rotherham hate crime victims

Rotherham Ethnic Minority Alliance (REMA), Speakup and The Rainbow Project will provide dedicated drop-in surgeries for victims of hate crime, as well as specially trained officers who will support individuals with their individual needs and a “Whatsapp” reporting service for people to report crimes.

REMA will specifically help those from the faith and race communities, whilst Speakup will support those with disabilities, and The Rainbow Project and will help the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Rotherham Borough Council’s Cllr Emma Hoddinott, chair of the Safer Rotherham Partnership, which is funding the initiative, said: “Prejudice and discrimination because of someone's race, religion, disability or sexual orientation is not acceptable in our borough. 

“This project is about helping people to come forward, to report hateful actions or words that can have a significant impact on them.”

Rotherham’s hate crime co-ordinator, PC Chris Nicholson, said: “We are proud to support and work alongside our partners to deliver and raise awareness of Rotherham's new hate crime campaign. 

“Hate is a serious offence that can cause a hurtful impact to both victims and witnesses, and our focus remains working to take action to stop hate, encourage reporting and highlight the support and advice available to everyone. 

“I hope by supporting this campaign, anyone who has been either a victim or witness, will feel confident to report it and help us take action to stop hate.”

National Hate Crime Awareness Week runs until tomorrow.

For more information, go to http://www.stophateuk.org/hate-crime-awareness-week/.

Visit http://www.southyorks.police.uk/help-and-advice/z-crime-types/hate-crime for more information about hate crime and how to report it.